Prodrive has created a unique Ford Mustang desert racer

Following 12 months of secret development and testing, motorsport specialist Prodrive has revealed a 1967 Ford Mustang desert racer. 

Commissioned by historic rally events company HERO-ERA, the pony car combines classic styling with state-of-the-art Prodrive technology. 

The Mustang HERO-ERA 1 is designed to cope with the world’s toughest off-road endurance competitions, and was unveiled at the Bicester Heritage Flywheel event.

Tested to the extreme

Prodrive has four decades of motorsport experience, having built multiple World Rally Championship-winning cars. The company also has created off-road vehicles and successful GT racing machines. 

The Ford Mustang is the first American car developed by the Banbury-based outfit. Starting with a rusting shell, the 1967 Mustang Fastback was subjected to an intensive restoration process. 

As part of this, the HERO-ERA 1 was tested extensively in varied conditions. It can operate reliably at temperatures ranging from -10 deg C to more than 40 deg C. The aim is to compete in events such as Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, which covers nearly 9,000 miles.

Power and durability combined

Powering the Mustang is a 5.4-litre Ford Windsor V8 that produces a substantial 400hp. The engine has been designed for durability and performance, and is fed by a 70-gallon fuel tank with a 400-mile range.

A Tremec TKX five-speed transmission with overdrive is fitted, along with a heavy-duty rear axle with a 9-inch limited-slip differential. 

Underbody protection was inspired by Prodrive’s Dakar experience, along with upgraded suspension designed to cope with the roughest terrain.

Not a typical Prodrive project

Tomas de Vargas Machuca, chairman of HERO-ERA, said: “I am blown away by the car. I am so happy with the result – although it nearly didn’t happen. I originally asked David Richards to see if Prodrive could do anything with our old Mustang. At first he wasn’t sure, as it was a bit of a departure, but then thankfully he came back with a positive reply.”

David Richards CBE, chairman of Prodrive, added: “This project started life a long time ago as a casual conversation with Tomas about my wife, Karen’s interest in taking part in the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. The collaboration between Prodrive and HERO-ERA has resulted in a unique classic rally car specifically designed for the rigours of long-distance events.”

Further testing will be undertaken before the Ford Mustang HERO-ERA 1 enters the Badawi Trial, covering almost 5,000 miles through Jordan.

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